The fall Parkfairfax Native Plant Sale will be held Saturday, September 29, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This marks the 9-year anniversary of this twice-a-year, non-profit, community plant sale--with it's 19th occurrence. Eleven vendors from four states will be hosted!

Yes, it's that time again, and now couldn't be a better time to plant native gardens! (Our record-setting July heat showed me the value of having a garden that requires far less watering than those "other" gardens.) Plus, it seems our weather in late-September will be perfect for gardening!

Please contact them for advance orders, which helps them to "bring what you want and not bring what you don't want" (to quote one of the vendors). Above is their essential contact information.

I'd like to ask a favor of supporters of the sale. I'm starting a Facebook page for the Parkfairfax Native Plant Sale sale, which is www.facebook.com/parkfairfax.nativeplantsale . (I'm new to Facebook so I may not have set this up correctly--advice is welcome.) I hope to start off by posting photos of the flyer for the plant sale taken at various coffee shops and other places. Please submit your photos to me for posting on the page. Please include in the photo as much of the surroundings as possible with the words "Parkfairfax Native Plant Sale" on the flyer still legible. Please include in your email the name and general address of the place photographed. (An example would be "St. Elmo's Coffee Pub in Del Ray, Alexandria, VA.")

Lastly, I want to give the address and general directions to the sale, in case the website closes for exceeding its maximum capacity of pageviews (as happened twice in the last three sales). The address of the sale is 3601 Valley Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302. The directions are: Parkfairfax is located inside the I-495 Beltway, across I-395 from Shirlington.From I-395, exit Shirlington/Quaker onto Quaker.At the first light on Quaker, turn left onto Preston. Follow Preston to Valley and turn left on Valley.Sale will be past Gunston on your right.

Please pass this email along to interested friends! This sale depends entirely on word-of-mouth support. Thanks for helping to spread the word!

FROM THE SEMINARY HILL ASSOCIATION:

Three meetings about the Beauregard Corridor Small Area Plan were just announced:1. Results of the Beauregard Tenant Survey--20 Sept--7-9pmDuring a Town Hall meeting, the Affordable Housing Adviory Committee will present the results of the Beauregard Tenant Survey at the William Ramsay Recreation Center, 5650 Sanger Avenue.2. Open Space Sites--1 Oct--7-9pmRegular meeting of the Beauregard Rezoning Advisory Group during which open space sites, transporation, and housing will be discussed at the Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center, 5750 Sanger Avenue.3. Seminary & Beauregard Transportation Improvements--24 Oct--7-9pmRegular meeting of the Beauregard Rezoning Advisory Group during which something related to transporation in Corridor C will be discussed--perhaps the ellipse--at the Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center, 5750 Sanger Avenue.

Sponsored by Whole Foods Market

Join Yokid & Whole Foods market for a day dedicated to allowing kids to reach their full potential with healthy bodies & minds!

We challenge you to join us for 108 Sun Salutations! Get motivated to get moving by learning about the importance of setting goals. After taking on the Challenge, enjoy lots of free yummy snacks while learning how healthy food can be fun & delicious with Whole Foods Market Healthy Eating Specialists.

WHEN:

Sunday, October 14th from 2:00–5:00 p.m.

WHERE:

Mount Vernon Recreation Center 2701 Commonwealth Ave. Alexandria VA

WHO:

FREE & Open to children and adults of all ages. No yoga experience is required!

All participants get a free yoga mat, cool tee shirt & lots of other fun giveaways!

Free tee shirts and yoga mats can only be guaranteed to those who pre-register, so reserve your spot today:

YoKid and Whole Foods market are offering this day of healthy fitness fun totally free to raise awareness for kids health through fitness and nutrition education. If you would like to contribute to our cause, all donations are tax-deductible and will support yoga programs for children in need.

What is the YoKid Yoga Challenge?

108 sun salutations for the whole family! The YoKid Yoga Challenge invites friends, family, community members, and all who have participated in the YoKid Yoga program, to enjoy a day dedicated to having a healthy mind and body!

What is a Sun Salutation?

It is a sequence of flowing yoga postures. The sequence has many benefits that include energizing and strengthening the body as well as calming and focusing the mind.

How Do I Get There?

It’s easy! For directions click here. There is plenty of parking and within walking distance of the metro station.

YoKid… Stretch your limits is nonprofit organization that provides yoga and meditation classes for at-risk and under-served youth in DC, Maryland, & Virginia. Students who participate in the YoKid program engage in physical and mental activities that promote their overall social, emotional, and academic growth.

FROM A NEIGHBORHOOD LIST SERVE:

Emmanuel Episcopal Church is hosting a FREECHILDREN'S MUSIC WORKSHOP!!! - on Saturday, September 22nd 9am - 11:00am.Parents of children (ages 5-11) from the Alexandria area are invited toaccompany their children to this morning workshop.Handbells, Recorders, Lemme Sticks, Percussive Instruments, Boomwhackers,Movement sessions! From 9:00am - 11:00, we will go from station to stationplaying instruments (bells, recorders, percussions, etc), singing (w pianoand guitar), movement (dancing to various styles of piano while playingpercussions). The workshop will take place in the church Parish Hall.Please call or email me, Linda Maguire, onMaguire.usa@gmail.comor703-895-3450,with any comments or questions or to register.We welcome your child attending.Linda MaguireMusic DirectorEmmanuel Episcopal Church1608 Russell RoadAlexandria, Virginia 22030

Carpenter's Shelter, a nonprofit who provides shelter and guidance to homeless individuals and families in the City Of Alexandria needs your help.If you have a new or used microwave to spare please consider making a tax deductible donation to the shelter.Also on our needs list for September are Advil, towels(new or used) and cereal.If you are able to assist please contact Courtney D. Bishop atcourtneybishop@carpentersshelter.org703.548.7500 ext. 205

Poet Laureate and Guest Readers to Participate in City of Alexandria’s Ninth Annual Alexandria Doggie Day Swim

Amy Young, Poet Laureate, City of Alexandria along with Alexandria residents who have submitted poetry during the “2012 Dog Days of August” will participate in a special salute to dogs. Ms. Young and guest readers will read poems about their favorite companion, their dog or poems about dogs as part of the City of Alexandria’s Ninth Annual Doggie Day Swim on Saturday, September 15, beginning at 3 p.m. The poetry readings will begin at 3:30 pm and will be held in front of the Old Town Pool, 1609 Cameron St.

For additional information about the Annual Doggie Day Swim, call the Chinquapin Park Recreation Center at703.746.5435. For more information about the “Dog Days of August” initiative or the Poet Laureate program call the Office of the Arts at 703.746.5588.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the City's Human Rights Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, call Ralph Baird of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities at 703.746.5435 (VA Relay 711) or e-mailralph.baird@alexandriava.gov.

The Friends of the Beatley Central Library will hold their October Book Sale Fest on October 18-21. Dates and times: Thursday, 10/18: Members Preview (Memberships at the door), 4:00PM - 8:30PM; Friday, 10/19, 10:00AM - 5:30PM; Saturday, 10/20, 10:00AM - 4:30PM; Sunday, 10/21, 1:00PM - 4:30PM. SPECIAL NOTE: Allan J. Stypeck, Jr. of Second Story Books, noted antiquarian book expert, will be in the Library's Periodical Room on Saturday, 10/20 from Noon to 2:00PM to talk about old and rare books and appraise customers' books. This "Antique Book Roadshow" is free and open to the public. Charles E. Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22304; 703-746-1702; www.alexandria.lib.va.us.

Alexandria Police are investigating an assault that occurred Wednesday, September 12, at 6:00 A.M. on the bike path near Holmes Run Parkway. A 38 year-old female City resident was jogging when she was grabbed from behind by a man. The victim screamed, broke free from the suspect and ran away from him. He was last seen walking on the bike path towards Van Dorn Street. The suspect is described as a medium to darker skinned male, approximately 5’6” tall and he was wearing a dark colored jacket. The victim was not injured.

Anyone with information about this incident or who might have been in the area is asked to call the Criminal Investigations Section at 703.746.6711.

Detectives would like to remind witnesses that they can remain anonymous.

The Alexandria Police Department would like to remind joggers to remember these important safety tips while out running:

o Avoid running with headphoneso Run in well lit areaso Try to run with a partner when possibleo Keep a cell phone with you at all timeso Let people know what routes you plan to take

For more information please call the Public Information Office at 703.746.6600.

FROM THE OLD TOWN BOUTIQUE DISTRICT:

Alexandria, it's hunting season in the Old Town Boutique District. From Friday, September 21 to Sunday, September 23, get a stamp from each of the 35 stores. Turn in your completed passport at Periwinkle and receive a swag bag of 35 treats while supplies last. PLUS be entered to win a $3,500 grand prize shopping spree or one of 35 $100 prizes. Double your chances of winning by registeringearly! For more information, visit oldtownboutiquedistrict.com.

WEBA (West End Business Alliance) has been asked to share this survey request with our Members, Friends and Contacts. Please take a few moments to participate in the survey.

The Quantico/Belvoir Regional Business Alliance and the Alexandria City Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the Alexandria/Arlington Workforce Investment Board, are working to build a stronger dialog among the businesses and agencies located in and around the Mark Center. The interdependence of interests in the region can lead to opportunities for all concerned.

Specifically, we hope to facilitate more cases where needed services can be identified, where business opportunities can be explored and where employment options can be expanded for area workers. We have launched a periodic Roundtable Forum at which local employers and agencies can exchange information and are searching for additional ways to enlarge that dialog.

In that regard, we are conducting a survey of area businesses and agencies to see what amenities are most needed for this area of growth in Alexandria that would generate more services available to employers and workers in the area.

We ask that you please take a few minutes to fill out a short survey, which can be accessed through this link:

Play with a Purpose: Being an Effective Play Partner to Your Child.Parents and caregivers will learn how to join and expand their child's play to promote higher levels of engagement and learning.Presenters: Kerry Buechler, BA and Becky Zimmerman, BSRegister athttp://kennedykriegercard.eventbrite.com/ or by calling Stacey Duvall at (443) 923-7680

The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia and The Washington Group Special Care Planning team presents the 2nd workshop in our transitions series on "Social and Recreational Opportunities". This is for individuals, families, case managers, and community members who want to learn about social and recreational opportunities for individuals with Special Needs. The social and recreational areas are many times a neglected area of concern. This workshop will focus on introducing many opportunities, many that you may not be familiar with. There will also be a social and recreational focused resource fair, with many participating vendors. Please RSVP to Carey Alford at (703) 279-6561, or calford@financialguide.com.

September 17: CARD STAR: Training for Parents and ProfessionalsSeptember 17:

9:30am-11:00pm Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore MD

Getting an Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis: Where do I go from here? Presented by: Cathy Groschan, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Worker. The presenter will lead this discussion and take your questions about getting a diagnosis, finding services, the education system and more! This is an introductory training for parents. Register at: http://kennedykriegercard.eventbrite.com/ or by calling Stacey Duvall at (443) 923-7680

Get help navigating the complicated state and local service system from the experts. Bring your questions and get answers about life on the spectrum. RSVP 703-532-3214 because space is limited. UPCOMING MEETINGS---Lunch Bunch: 9/4, 9/18, 10/2, 10/16, 10/30, 11/13, 12/11 ---GPS+: 9/5, 10/3, 11/7, 12/5. For more information:http://asnv.org/images/uploads/default_site/general_files/lunchbunchgps_flyer.pdf

September 22: Sensory Friendly Movie--Finding Nemo

AMC Entertainment and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy new current in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program. For more information:http://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films

September 28-29: IDEA/IEP Seminar - Become a More Powerful Advocate!

Mason Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003

Join us for an extensive 2-day IDEA/IEP seminar based on a curriculum developed for the Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education.

With the increasing numbers of students with learning disabilities seeking admission and being admitted to colleges and universities, it’s important for students and their families to be informed about the processes, legal information, and procedures that enable successful preparation for transition from secondary to postsecondary education. Keynote speaker: Elizabeth Getzel, director, postsecondary initiatives at Virginia Commonwealth University. For more information:http://www.ldavirginia.org/events.html

If you are a parent planning for the future of your child with special needs, or if you work with individuals with special needs, this event is for you! Special needs trusts allow funds to be set aside for the benefit of an individual with a disability in a way that will not jeopardize eligibility for SSI and Medicaid benefits. Join us to learn more! For more information: http://specialneedstrust.eventbrite.com

Experienced Lose the Training Wheels Class offered by Fairfax County Parks and Recreation

Instructor and volunteer spotters assist individuals with disabilities who want to practice their biking skills and improve their fitness level. Participants must be a LTTW bike program graduate or have prior consent of the instructor. Helmets are required. Bring your own bike, helmet, and water. Class is held on the indoor track. For more information: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ada/lose-the-wheels.htm

Autism Speaks launches School Community Tool Kit: The Autism Speaks Family Services Department is pleased to announce the launch of the School Community Tool Kit 2.0 – a tool kit to assist members of the school community in understanding and supporting students with autism. Attached, please find a one-sheet flyer that describes the School Community Tool Kit 2.0, including how to download the Tool Kit for your school’s use. For more information:http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/school-community-tool-kit

U.S. Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Provides New Glossary of Special Eduation Terms in Spanish:

The Glossary includes over 200 education- and disability-related terms translated from English to Spanish to ensure that educational terms related to IDEA are translated in a uniform and comprehensible way. For more information: http://www.neparentcenters.org/glossary/index.html